Ambassador Spotlight | Ashley Cracroft

Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT

Q: What’s your climbing style?
A: Trad; Mostly off-width.

Q: What is your proudest accomplishment in climbing, and outside of climbing?
A: I am really proud of my first ascent of an off-width route named Wapiti. If I could go back in time to when I first started climbing and tell myself what I could and would accomplish, I would not believe it. Outside of climbing, I am proud of my little family. My two dogs and husband make every day an adventure, even if it’s just climbing at our home gym or working in the garden, we always have fun.

Q: What advice would you give to your first year climbing self?
A: You are strong, you are brave, and you can do this. Learn as much as you can. The more you understand the gear, the more you will trust it. Most importantly, do not take yourself too seriously.

Q: How has your training for climbing changed in the last year?
A: I didn’t train, and now I do! Climbing outdoors is my number one choice for “training.” However, I now have a large goal that is not possible without a solid training plan.

Q: How has climbing affected the people you choose to surround yourself with?
A: I have met so many amazing people through climbing, and I have learned what it’s like to be surrounded by supportive, encouraging, passionate, and hilarious people. I have also learned that not everyone wants you to succeed, and those are the types of people that I don’t make time for.

Q: What have you done to give back to the climbing community?
A: I have coached for the youth team and taught off-width and crack climbing clinics at my local climbing gym. My husband and I also love taking people out on the local off-width bouldering circuit to teach them off-width techniques. Aside from teaching, I have spent a large amount of time establishing new areas in the desert. This includes cleaning routes, installing anchors, and trail building to minimize human impact.

Q: What have you learned from failure?
A: When I fail at something I think, “This isn’t possible. I’m never going to be able to do this.” but then I remember all of the times that I thought that, and then did it anyway. I guess I have learned to get back on the horse.

Q: Who are the climbers that inspire you the most and why?
A: I don’t have any specific climbing idols. I am really inspired by anyone that is psyched and out there having fun. I think that sometimes the climbing world takes things a bit too seriously, and we just need someone to make a hilarious climbing parody to remind everyone that we’re just tiny people climbing big rocks.

Q: What is your favorite climbing location and why?
A: Southern Utah desert. There is so much to be explored, and so few people (if you know the right areas).

Q: Why Butora Climbing?
A: Have you ever climbed in Alturas!?

Q: What are your favorite before and after climbing meals?
A: Breakfast burrito and blueberry muffins before, pad thai fries after.

Q: What is your spirit animal?
A: A bear because I get really grumpy when I’m hungry.

Questions from the Internet

Q: What differences have you found in climbing Narsha versus climbing in Acro?
A: I’ll be honest, I just wear Alturas for everything.

Q: What are some tips you would give to new outdoor climbers about crag etiquette?
A: Don’t blast AC/DC for all to hear. Pick up your trash. Try not to let your bag explode all over the trail. It is not okay to throw orange peels and apple cores off into the distance. If someone offers you a top-rope, offer to clean it.

Q: Tips you would give to someone who is stuck on their project? How do you stay motivated when you are stuck?
A: Try something different. Even if you are determined that the way you are trying is the only way, you might surprise yourself. When I’m stuck I give myself some space from the climb and get on some things that I will enjoy. Returning to a project with a fresh mindset helps me tremendously.

Q: How have you overcome fear in climbing (fear of falling, fear of failure, etc.)?
A: I am not naturally a mentally strong climber. It has taken a lot of learning and experience to overcome some of my fears. I think that one of the things that helps is to take falls. I know, everyone says this, but it’s true. It doesn’t only help you with your fear of falling, it also helps you to trust the gear, and learn how to fall.

Check out our next Ambassador, Daniel Gajda